Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

Summer breeder across Canada, Alaska, an… Breeds primarily in spruce, fir, and oth… Common Full territorial song

Learn to identify the Ruby-crowned Kinglet by ear. Master the "high thin notes, spirited musical jumble" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“tee-see-see, tur-LEE, tee-tee-tee-tur-LI-LEE”

What the Ruby-crowned Kinglet sounds like

A tiny, hyperactive songbird noted for its constant wing-flicking and the sudden flash of its namesake ruby-red crown, mostly hidden in the subdued olive-green plumage. Despite its minute size, it delivers an amazingly loud, complex song that rings through conifer and mixed woodlands.

“high thin notes, spirited musical jumble”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A loud, accelerating series beginning with two to three high thin notes followed by a rising jumble and ending in a sharp twittering cascade. Often written as “tee-see-see, tur-LEE, tee-tee-tee-tur-LI-LEE”.

Don't confuse with:The Golden-crowned Kinglet — has black-and-white face stripes and a golden/orange crown bordered by black.

Lessons featuring the Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Ruby-crowned Kinglet's sounds in these interactive in-app lessons.

Needle Notes: Tiny High Voices

Tier 6 · After Hours

Kinglet Codes

Tier 12 · By Pitch and Pace

Start Learning Free

Where you'll hear it

Breeds primarily in spruce, fir, and other coniferous forests of the boreal zone and western mountains; in migration and winter it frequents a wider variety of habitats including deciduous woodlands, scrub, parks, and gardens.

Migratory: present on breeding grounds April–September; peak migration March–May and August–October; winters November–March.

Similar species

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Has black-and-white face stripes and a golden/orange crown bordered by black.

Hutton’s Vireo

Larger with stouter, hooked bill.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Longer tail edged in white and often cocked.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet song FAQ

What does a Ruby-crowned Kinglet sound like?

A loud, accelerating series beginning with two to three high thin notes followed by a rising jumble and ending in a sharp twittering cascade. Listen for the "high thin notes, spirited musical jumble" phrase.

How do I tell a Ruby-crowned Kinglet from a Golden-crowned Kinglet by sound?

Golden-crowned Kinglet: Has black-and-white face stripes and a golden/orange crown bordered by black.; Shows stronger buffy wash on flanks.; Usually in coniferous habitat even in winter..

When is the best time to hear a Ruby-crowned Kinglet?

Migratory: present on breeding grounds April–September; peak migration March–May and August–October; winters November–March.